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• 1 2026-02-09T19:36:28+00:00 Let the Music Move You: An Overview of Music on Campus 18 This page provides information about music on campus plain 2026-02-10T16:40:10+00:00 Music at Case Western Reserve University, Western Reserve University and Case Institute of Technology encompasses curricular offerings, musical groups, performances and organizations.
  
  From the solitary to the social...
  
  
  ...from courses to concerts...
  
  
  ...music has spanned generations of CWRU life.
  
  

  Musical instruction was first offered at Western Reserve University through an affiliation with the Cleveland Conservatory of Music in 1888. Courses in piano, violin, and voice were offered. But, according to the Catalog, those courses "must be considered as extra work, which will not be received as equivalent for the regular or elective work of the college curriculum."
  
  It was not until 1899 that the regular curriculum of the College for Women included music. The two courses offered were History of Music and Harmony and Counterpoint. All the music classes were taught by Charles E. Clemens, professor of music for 30 years. Adelbert College began offering music courses in 1924 and Cleveland College followed in 1927.
  
  
  Musical organizations were established quickly. In 1828, only 2 years after Western Reserve College was chartered, the Handel Society was organized. The college choir started in the 1830s and the glee club developed from this. Case School of Applied Science established its glee club in 1897. Mandolin clubs were popular at Adelbert College, Flora Stone Mather College, and Case School of Applied Science in the 1890s and early 20th century. The colleges' orchestras, marching bands, and other ensembles have performed at concerts, university ceremonies, and athletic events both on and off campus.
  
  
  The university has hosted concerts by professional musicians. Concerts have featured performers such as Cab Calloway, Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, Pink Floyd, Eddie Money, Genesis, Supertramp, The Guess Who, They Might be Giants, and Violent Femmes among many.
  
  
  The campus radio station broadcasts music to the campus, local community, and parts of northeast Ohio. From the basement of the Mather Memorial Building, Western Reserve University's student radio station, WRAR-AM, went on the air for the first time on February 14, 1955. In 1967, WRUW-FM began its first broadcast, replacing WRAR-AM. Over the years, the radio station has broadcast commencement ceremonies and athletic events in addition to the traditional music format. In May of 1970, the radio station broadcast the Faculty Senate special meeting called to respond to the campus situation in the wake of the Kent State shootings. In 2026, WRUW-FM continues to operate, providing a wide array of programming.
  
  
  Sources
  For more information about music on campus, see the list of published histories on our CWRU Archives Sources page.  In addition to the published histories, information comes from records in the Case Western Reserve University Archives.

• 1 2020-01-30T16:08:26+00:00 1860-1869 13 This section for 200 Events in 200 Years provides highlights of the university's history from 1860-1869. plain 2025-06-26T15:22:57+00:00 1860

  1860

  Medical Department graduation requirements included 3 years of study, a thesis, testimonials of "good moral character" and an examination. Those holding a Bachelor of Arts degree could be graduated after 2 years; and those who had been in practice for 4 years could graduate after 1 year.
  
  

  1861

  The December 1862 issue of the student newspaper reported on Company B of the 85th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, raised from the students and faculty of Western Reserve College. While their main duty was guarding Confederate prisoners of war at Camp Chase, the students reported that they, "soon attained the enviable position of the best drilled company in Camp."
  
  

  1862

  The first issue of the student newspaper, Western Reserve Souvenir was published. Its goal was "to provide a College Newspaper – one that shall contain all those College items of general interest, which, being deemed inappropriate to the regular Catalogue, would otherwise fail of reaching the public…"
  
  

  1863

  The commencement concert featured orchestral and band music from mazurkas to waltzes and patriotic tunes.  Admission was 25¢.
  
  

  1864

  On the occasion of the U.S. presidential election, "College exercises were suspended on election day, that all who had attained their majority might give their verdict in favor of Law, Liberty and Union…"
  
  

  1865

  Tickets were required for admission to classes in the Medical Department. The fee for all tickets for the term was $60. A promissory note for $70 (from the student with a co-signer), payable in 12 months, was also acceptable to pay the fee.
  
  

  1866

  Allen Campbell Barrows, a graduate of Western Reserve College 1861, was the first alumnus to hold a professorship at the College. He was named to the chair of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy. Pictured here is a page from the trustee minutes.
  
  

  1867

  The Literary societies' entertainment included music, orations, prayer, and formal debate.
  
  

  1868

  Western Reserve College's first yearbook, the Occidentalia, was published.
  
  

  1869

  The alumni reunion was held at the Weddell House in Cleveland. The event featured the Alma Mater, various toasts as well as a banquet – including 17 desserts!